I am 60 y/o, in 1981 my DX was Atypical Disorder - other with an emotional handicap, I was verbal, literate and my abstract thought and reasoning were found to be significantly above average, I was also EXTREMELY situationally reactive BUT the DSM II ..........
This is such a well researched and clearly presented post, and it’s so important to bring clarity to the rise in autism diagnoses. I’d just add one reflection I’ve been exploring:
We’re definitely getting better at recognizing neurodivergence, but I wonder how much we’re also seeing the interaction of genetics with modern lifestyle factors. Things like highly processed diets, sugar overload, disrupted gut microbiomes, and chronic low grade inflammation, these should also be included in discussion because they are amplifying or accelerating traits in genetically predisposed individuals.
It’s rarely nature vs nurture. More often, it’s nature being shaped (or stressed) by nurture.
I think we’re only beginning to understand how modern environments are influencing neurodevelopment. And I’m really glad this conversation is happening.
Well done answering such a seemingly massive question in such a sharp and concise way!
Thank you!
I am 60 y/o, in 1981 my DX was Atypical Disorder - other with an emotional handicap, I was verbal, literate and my abstract thought and reasoning were found to be significantly above average, I was also EXTREMELY situationally reactive BUT the DSM II ..........
This is great Laura, makes a lot of sense.
This is such a well researched and clearly presented post, and it’s so important to bring clarity to the rise in autism diagnoses. I’d just add one reflection I’ve been exploring:
We’re definitely getting better at recognizing neurodivergence, but I wonder how much we’re also seeing the interaction of genetics with modern lifestyle factors. Things like highly processed diets, sugar overload, disrupted gut microbiomes, and chronic low grade inflammation, these should also be included in discussion because they are amplifying or accelerating traits in genetically predisposed individuals.
It’s rarely nature vs nurture. More often, it’s nature being shaped (or stressed) by nurture.
I think we’re only beginning to understand how modern environments are influencing neurodevelopment. And I’m really glad this conversation is happening.